7/15/13

We all know that sunscreen is an important product to use to protect our skin from harmful UV rays, but not all are created equal. According to Stacie Stukin, a managing partner at Dr. Robin, the company that creates chemical-free sunscreens for kids, you should always look for ones with titanium or zinc as their broad-spectrum protection active ingredient. They are gentle and nontoxic for the skin, and are also very effective in blocking harmful UV rays. And an added eco-bonus: They are safe to wear in the ocean because they don't harm delicate coral reefs.

6/23/13

A typical compact fluorescent light bulb can be turned on and off about 7,000 times in lifetime, which makes them the perfect choice for light fixtures that are left on for extended periods of time. For light fixtures run by motion detectors or for areas of the home where you turn the light on and off several times, like a walk-in closet, avoid using CFLs. Since those lights will be activated several times a day for short periods of time, this will shorten the life span of the CFL.

6/22/13

Household plants can be a natural and efficient way to purify the air inside your home. But if your plants get sick with white or black mold spores on the leaves, they can contribute to an unhealthy air environment. For sturdy plants, wipe the leaves with a damp microfiber towel to pick up the mold spores; wash the microfiber cloth in hot water to sanitize the towel. For more delicate plants, rinse them clean with cool water in a deep sink or bathtub; let the plants drain and air dry, then return them to their sunny spot in the home.